John Lewis staff won’t receive bonus for first time since 1953

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The John Lewis Partnership confirmed that staff members will not receive a bonus for the first time since 1953 after the group suffered a huge drop in profits. “We came through then to be even stronger than before and we will do so again.” Chair Dame Sharon White told staff on Thursday that the bonus announcement “will come as a blow” – but said the company would expect to pay out a bonus again once its profits exceed £150m. “Both brands entered the crisis with strong and established online businesses, and in the case of Waitrose plans for expansion well under way in preparation for the end of the relationship with Ocado.” The John Lewis Partnership said it posted a £55m loss for the six months to 25 July after higher costs offset an increase in revenues. Online sales were “strong” with 73 per cent growth during the period, Dame Sharon said, and the company saw higher sales of “less profitable lines such as laptops and loo rolls”.